Conformation and body work experts: what do you think is going on here?
it could easily be a bilateral Hunter’s Bump
It’s a not-too-uncommon injury in horses who jump or have the stress of coming out of the starting gate.
Bilateral would certainly be much less common, but not unheard of
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I think it’s exaggerated by a dorsal stripe, whatever is going on
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no, there are clearly 2 very exaggerated lumps on either side of his SI area
I agree, but the dark color continues along the spine towards the withers, which makes the lumps easier to see. Which is good for prospective buyers
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My apologies, I think I read your comment too quickly and misinterpreted it! 
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No worries! It happens to us all, me included!
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That was a direct quote from the trainer, sorry.
So the horse had a few years racing moderately successfully, some good wins. Then “six months off”. Came back, no form, dropped into lower races. Went to a new trainer, where she began to refuse to go on to the gallops. “Very stubborn” was the description.
There is a few months missing between the last start, and the horse being given away to a re-trainer, where the horse is currently.
I think the horse is/was in pain, and has had a significant injury at the track. I’m trying to decide if the heart (get her) or the head (find something else) wins.
She’s being advertised as a trail riding horse.
(I don’t think we have claiming races here.)
She has no dorsal stripe. That’s shadowing.
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I need to add: these photos are two years old, pre “lay off”. The horse is in paddock condition now.
I want to give her a chance, so talk me out of it.
Horse would be for plodding along, maybe go to a cow day or trot over a one foot jump. I am looking for sound; untalented and boring is a bonus.
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Eek!
Hard pass?
Yes, unless you can afford a pasture puff
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the question is - is she at least sound? If this is a bilateral Hunter’s Bump, those tend to heal well without lasting soundness issues, even if it remains cosmetic. If she’s sound at this point, I would do a basic PPE and would assume she’d be fine for plodding along
It’s not possible to judge the current situation (which we don’t know) based on a 2 year old injury.
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I believe she is not lame. Sound for purpose? Don’t know. But not lame, video shows fairly good, even movement. Found racing videos of her, she was a nice mover. The current owner speaks very highly of her temperament, so I think we are going to chuck some cash in the proverbial firepit and bring her up. She’s put on weight, and looks to be very accepting of all that is being asked of her.
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So happy she’ll get a soft landing with you. 
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Thank you. She’s paid for now so 
to my new paddock puff!
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Congrats ! What is your new horse’s name? Would love to hear updates and see pics going forward. Thank you for giving her a chance.
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Congrats. I would love pictures and a name update once she is settled in. Thank you for taking a chance on her. I agree with JB if she’s sound it’s likely old and a nonissue. Plenty of horses with hunters bumps out there that servicably do their jobs. That photo looks like she is racing fit, which may have contributed to the shape and presence of them.
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I actually don’t know what they called her, but she looks like a Ginger Meggs to me. My current OTTB is a Black Beauty lookalike so… Ginger, at this stage. Original I know.
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